Sr. Engineer, GNC

Socket.dev; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic seeks a Senior Engineer for Flight Controls Guidance, Navigation and Control to develop analysis and software delivering good handling qualities across the Spaceship mission profile. You will collaborate with pilots, test, avionics, mechanical systems and systems engineering on the full lifecycle from concept to flight test and operations.

You will participate in design, testing, and validation while maintaining timeliness and quality, focusing on robust control solutions for

Qualifications

• 8+ years in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering with BS/MS.
• 5+ years in aerospace vehicle control systems and simulation.
• Experience modelling actuators, controllers, electrical systems, 6DOF.
• Strong knowledge of flight control systems and fixed-wing dynamics.
• MATLAB and Simulink in Model Based Design of safety-critical code.
• Knowledge of classical and modern control theory.
• Excellent diagnostic and communication skills.
• Familiar with embedded C and Git version control.
• Familiar with MIL-STD-1797B and SAE AS-94900.
• Flight test or pilot experience beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Participate in test planning, sim eval, and handling qualities analysis.
• Design stability augmentation and primary flight controls.
• Support flight test and analyze flight data.
• Review peers’ work for quality control.
• Perform system identification to drive simulator accuracy.
• Develop flight control software requirements, Simulink tests.
• Diagnose and resolve simulation issues across disciplines.
• Maintain timeliness and deliverables daily.
• Work with teams to achieve goals and follow team leader directions.

Skills

Aircraft control systems

MATLAB/Simulink

Model Based Design

Embedded C

Flight test experience

MIL-SPEC awareness

Diagnostics

Git

6DOF modelling

Control theory

Education

B.S./M.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace/Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Git

MIL-SPEC standards

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Engineering for the Flight Controls Guidance Navigation and Control team. Guided by our values, "Safety Above All", we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions.The focus of the role is developing the analysis and software to deliver good handling qualities throughout the unique mission profile of Spaceship. In this role, you will collaborate with Pilots, System Analysis, Flight Test, Avionics, Mechanical Systems, and Systems Engineering. The responsibilities will span the entire lifecycle, from conceptual design to flight test and commercial operations. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

Responsabilities

• Participate in test planning, sim evaluation, and analysis of handling qualities for Spaceship.
• Design stability augmentation control systems for Spaceship and next generation Launch Vehicle primary flight controls.
• Support flight test of Spaceship in the mission control center and analyze flight data.
• Review peer's work for quality control, ensuring "bugs" are caught early.
• Perform system identification of aircraft systems to drive simulator accuracy.
• Develop flight control software requirements, Simulink implementation, and tests.
• Diagnose and resolve simulation issues across all disciplines. May involve aerodynamics, mass properties, flight controls, interfaces, etc.
• Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks
• Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete projects.

Required Skills and Experience

• 8+ years of experience and B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering discipline from an accredited university. M.S. degree preferred.
• 5 + years of experience with aerospace vehicle control systems and simulation.
• Experience with modelling actuators, controllers, electrical systems, 6DOF, etc.
• Strong understanding of flight control systems and fixed-wing aircraft dynamics
• Experience with MATLAB and Simulink in a collaborative environment, specifically Model Based Design of Safety Critical Code.
• Knowledge of classical control theory and modern control theory.
• Excellent diagnostic skills
• Familiar with embedded C programming and git version control.
• Familiar with relevant MIL-SPECS, such as MIL-STD-1797B and SAE AS-94900, etc.
• Flight test or pilot experience beneficial.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is$108,871.00-$166,036.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits

Who We Are

Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles.